Encoding module, associated encoding element, connector, printer-encoder and access control system

Abstract

An encoding module and related systems and components are provided. The encoding module includes a plurality of encoding elements arranged in an array of columns and rows and one or more switching elements configured to selectively connect the encoding elements to a reader. The connection of the encoding elements may be based on the location of a targeted transponder disposed among multiple adjacent transponders to ensure the selective communication with the targeted transponder only. The module is configured for various types and locations transponders to be used within a system, such as a printer-encoder. Each encoding element may include a loaded conductive strip comprising a loop shape portion and a shield that corresponds to the loop shape portion. In another embodiment, an access control system having an encoding module with the plurality of couplers and an access card having a plurality of transponders corresponding to the couplers is provided.

That which is claimed: 
     
       1. A method to calibrate an encoder for media units on a web passing through an encoding region, the method comprising:
 activating a first encoding element to encode a transponder on one of the media units; 
 determining if the transponder was encoded by the first encoding element; 
 in response to determining that using the first encoding element was unsuccessful, activating a second encoding element to encode the transponder, and 
 in response to the transponder being determined to not be encoded:
 determining whether a length of a media unit is less than a threshold media unit length; and 
 when the length of the media unit is less than the threshold media unit length, ejecting the media unit. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising altering a near-field property of the first encoding element using a switch. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein activating the first encoding element to encode the transponder is repeated a first number of attempts. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first number of attempts is adjustable by a user. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising when the transponder is determined to not be encoded, marking, with a printhead, indicia representative of an unsuccessful encode on a media unit. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein activating the first encoding element includes activating the first encoding element at an encoding power level, wherein the encoding power level is adjustable by a user. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving a media format corresponding to the media unit, wherein the media format corresponds to Zebra Programming Language. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first encoding element and the second encoding element are parts of an array of encoding elements. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the array includes a plurality of columns extending parallel with a feed path and a plurality of rows extending perpendicular to the feed path. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using an optical sensor to measure a length of the media unit. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising selecting the second encoding element based on a direction of a sweep action. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus to calibrate an encoder for media units on a web passing through an encoding region, the apparatus comprising:
 a memory configured to store machine-readable instructions; and 
 a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to:
 activate a first encoding element to encode a transponder on one of the media units; 
 determine if the transponder was encoded by the first encoding element; 
 in response to the transponder encoding unsuccessfully, activate a second encoding element to encode the transponder; 
 in response to the transponder encoding unsuccessfully: 
 determine whether a length of the media unit is less than a threshold media unit length; and 
 when the length of the media unit is less than the threshold media unit length, eject the media unit. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a switch configured to alter a near-field property. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to repeatedly activate the first encoding element to encode the transponder a first number of attempts. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the first number of attempts is adjustable by a user. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to, when the transponder is determined to not be encoded, print, with a printhead, indicia representative of an unsuccessful encode on the media unit. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first encoding element encodes the transponder at an encoding power level; and 
 the encoding power level is adjustable by a user. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising an interface to receive a media format corresponding to the media unit, wherein the media format corresponds to Zebra Programming Language. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the first encoding element and the second encoding element are part of an array. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the array includes a plurality of columns extending parallel with a feed path and a plurality of rows extending perpendicular to the feed path. 
     
     
       21. The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising an optical sensor configured to measure a length of the media unit. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the second encoding element is selected based on a direction of a sweep action.